The Stanley Cup Playoffs are only a week away and with several spots left to be filled, it is never too early to speculate about possible matchups. The “what-ifs” and “it-could-happens” are almost as fun as the games themselves.
There are all but two spots remaining in the Western Conference with four spots up for grab in the Eastern Conference. At some point this week the final six playoff spots will be taken and the matchups will be set.
Teams work all year for a favorable seeding and home ice advantage. However, the hard work of the 82-game grind often leaves teams with less than favorable matchups against an opponent that might match up well or have a lower seed because of a decimated roster. No NHL team headed into the playoffs will admit as much but here are five teams that they don’t want to face.
Los Angeles Kings-The Kings could and should be up with the other California teams vying for the Pacific Division title. Too often they seemed to lose focus and lacked consistent scoring. With Jonathan Quick in goal Los Angeles can very well grind through the playoffs in similar fashion to the 2012 run. Their first round series will be against either Anaheim or San Jose, each of whom the Kings have had success.
Detroit Red Wings-All season Detroit has been battling the injury bug. When they have been healthy the Red Wings have shown that they can beat anyone. The good news for Detroit is that with all of the man games lost to injury, opportunities have been given to developing talent that would otherwise be toiling in the AHL. The invaluable experience on the Red Wings gives Detroit much more depth as they heal up before the playoffs begin.
Chicago Blackhawks-It sounds weird to say, but the Blackhawks are actually underdogs limping in to the playoffs to defend their title. They have been inconsistent of late and will likely end up conceding home ice to Colorado. However, the same team that lifted the cup last summer returns to defend it. The veterans on Chicago know what it takes to win and with almost a month to rest Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will be rearing to go.
Toronto Maple Leafs-The biggest challenge for Toronto will be getting into the postseason, but if they end up in the playoffs, they’ll be face-to-face with the ghosts of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last team the Boston Bruins want to see is an emotionally charged rival looking for vengeance. The Leafs have been their own worst enemy down the stretch and are a long shot to even get there. However, if James Reimer can rediscover his regular season form of 2013, they have a shot.
New York Rangers-The Rangers feel like a team that could flame out in the first round, or come to life and smoke everyone on their way to a Stanley Cup. In spite of all the hype and individual achievement, Henrik Lundqvist has posted a very ordinary playoff record. He certainly doesn’t suck in the postseason, but Corey Crawford and Nikolai Khabibulin have a Stanley Cup ring while King Henrik’s trophy case falls short. The Rangers have the horses on offense to support their All-Star goaltender, but they’ll need to get things going on offense to go far in the playoffs.